?<strong>Chapter 233:</strong>


    Aplex mix of emotions stirred within him.


    The atmosphere grew tense as Kenia, Holley, and Sarai, standing beside Belinda, turned their attention to Lucas and Verena.


    Sarai broke the silence, her voice faltering. “Lucas? Wait… Belinda, didn’t you say he was busy? Too busy with work to have a meal with us?”


    She trailed off, her words fading into an awkward hush.


    The awkwardness in the air was suffocating.


    Lucas’ eyes shifted to Kenia, who was standing just beside Belinda.


    For the first time in his life, a wave of panic rose within him.


    He now realized that Belinda had invited him to a meal yesterday because her grandmother was visiting.


    Damn it!


    He hadn’t known about this yesterday.


    If only he had known, he would never have refused Belinda.


    He knew Kenia meant the world to Belinda.


    But he…


    He had coldly rejected Belinda’s invitation yesterday.


    Regret burned like acid in Lucas’ chest.


    Belinda bit her lip, her expression stiff and awkward.


    At that moment, she wished she could simply vanish.


    Her thoughts churned, her heart ming Lucas, cursing the coincidence.


    Of all the restaurants, why had Lucas chosen this one to have a meal with Verena?


    Kenia’s face hardened as she nced between Lucas and Verena.


    Her first concern, however, was Belinda.


    Before anyone could break the awkward silence, Verena stepped forward, putting on a feigned apologetic expression.


    Her tone was light when she said, “I’m sorry, Mrs. rk. I didn’t know Lucas had other ns today. If I had known, I wouldn’t have asked him to join me for a meal.”


    Belinda felt Verena’s wordsnd like a p to the face.


    Her cheeks flushed with heat, even as herplexion grew paler.


    Lucas opened his mouth, his tone urgent. “Kenia—”


    But Kenia cut him off with an icy re, saying, “Belinda, Lucas clearly has other priorities now. Let’s not waste any more of his time.”


    “Come on. Let’s go.”


    Livid, she took Belinda’s hand firmly and turned to leave.


    Belinda didn’t look back at Lucas, following her grandmother’s lead without hesitation.


    Holley and Sarai gave Lucas a curt nod before trailing after them.


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